No. Each Medicare private health plan is different. Not even Medicare private health plans of the same type (for example, two HMOs) necessarily work the same way.

For the most part, each type of plan is characterized by a set of general rules about which doctors and other health providers you can use, when you can use them, and how much you will pay for your health care.

It is important to note that lines can blur. Plans of the same type can, and often do, have different rules. For example, one HMO may require prior authorization for different services than another HMO, or may have stricter or looser network restrictions.

No matter what type of Medicare private health plan you decide to join, make sure you know that specific plan’s network rules, restrictions and costs.

To find out more about your coverage options, click on the link in the GO TO box.

To find out about the different types of Medicare private health plans, click on the link in the GO TO box.